TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 111:6–10. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We are here taught to give glory to God,
I.For the great things he has done for his people, for his people Israel, of old and of late:
He has shown his people the power of his works (Psa 111:6), in what he has wrought for them; many a time he has given proofs of his omnipotence, and shown them what he can do, and that there is nothing too hard for him to do. Two things are specified to show the power of his works: - 1. The possession God gave to Israel in the land of Canaan, that he might give them, or in giving them, the heritage of the heathen. This he did in Joshua's time, when the seven nations were subdued, and in David's time, when the neighbouring nations were many of them brought into subjection to Israel and became tributaries to David. Herein God showed his sovereignty, in disposing of kingdoms as he pleases, and his might, in making good his disposals. If God will make the heritage of the heathen to be the heritage of Israel, who can either arraign his counsel or stay his hand? 2. The many deliverances which he wrought for his people when by their iniquities they had sold themselves into the hand of their enemies (Psa 111:9): He sent redemption unto his people, not only out of Egypt at first, but often afterwards; and these redemptions were typical of the great redemption which in the fulness of time was to be wrought out by the Lord Jesus, that redemption in Jerusalem which so many waited for.
II.For the stability both of his word and of his works, which assure us of the great things he will do for them.
1.What God has done shall never be undone. He will not undo it himself, and men and devils cannot (Psa 111:7): The works of his hand are verity and judgment (Psa 111:8), that is, they are done in truth and uprightness; all he does is consonant to the eternal rules and reasons of equity, all according to the counsel of his wisdom and the purpose of his will, all well done and therefore there is nothing to be altered or amended, but his works are firm and unchangeable. Upon the beginning of his works we may depend for the perfecting of them; work that is done properly will last, will neither go to decay nor sink under the stress that is laid upon it.
2.What God has said shall never be unsaid: All his commandments are sure, all straight and therefore all steady. His purposes, the rule of his actions, shall all have their accomplishment: Has he spoken, and will he not make it good? No doubt he will; whether he commands light or darkness, it is done as he commands. His precepts, the rule of our actions, are unquestionably just and good, and therefore unchangeable and not to be repealed; his promises and threatenings are all sure, and will be made good; nor shall the unbelief of man make either the one or the other of no effect. They are established, and therefore they stand fast for ever and ever, and the scripture cannot be broken. The wise God is never put upon new counsels, nor obliged to take new measures, either in his laws or in his providences. All is said, as all is done, in truth and uprightness, and therefore it is immutable. Men's folly and falsehood make them unstable in all their ways, but infinite wisdom and truth for ever exclude retraction and revocation: He has commanded his covenant for ever. God's covenant is commanded, for he has made it as one that has an incontestable authority to prescribe both what we must do and what we must expect, and an unquestionable ability to perform both what he has promised in the blessings of the covenant and what he has threatened in the curses of it, Psa 105:8.
III.For the setting up and establishing of religion among men.
Because holy and reverend is his name, and the fear of him is the beginning of wisdom, therefore his praise endureth for ever, that is, he is to be everlastingly praised.
1.Because the discoveries of religion tend so much to his honour. Review what he has made known of himself in his word and in his works, and you will see, and say, that God is great and greatly to be feared; for his name is holy, his infinite purity and rectitude appear in all that whereby he has made himself known, and because it is holy therefore it is reverend, and to be thought of and mentioned with a holy awe. Note, What is holy is reverend; the angels have an eye to God's holiness when they cover their faces before him, and nothing is more man's honour than his sanctification. It is in his holy places that God appears most terrible, Psa 68:35; Lev 10:3.
2.Because the dictates of religion tend so much to man's happiness. We have reason to praise God that the matter is so well contrived that our reverence of him and obedience to him are as much our interest as they are our duty.
(1.)Our reverence of him is so: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It is not only reasonable that we should fear God, because his name is reverend and his nature is holy, but it is advantageous to us. It is wisdom; it will direct us to speak and act as becomes us, in a consistency with ourselves, and for our own benefit. It is the head of wisdom, that is (as we read it), it is the beginning of wisdom. Men can never begin to be wise till they begin to fear God; all true wisdom takes its rise from true religion, and has its foundation in it. Or, as some understand it, it is the chief wisdom, and the most excellent, the first in dignity. It is the principal wisdom, and the principal of wisdom, to worship God and give honour to him as our Father and Master. Those manage well who always act under the government of his holy fear.
(2.)Our obedience to him is so: A good understanding have all those that do his commandments. Where the fear of the Lord rules in the heart there will be a constant conscientious care to keep his commandments, not to talk of them, but to do them; and such have a good understanding, that is,
[1.]They are well understood; their obedience is graciously accepted as a plain indication of their mind that they do indeed fear God. Compare Pro 3:4, So shalt thou find favour and good understanding. God and man will look upon those as meaning well, and approve of them, who make conscience of their duty, though they have their mistakes. What is honestly intended shall be well taken.
[2.]They understand well. First, It is a sign that they do understand well. The most obedient are accepted as the most intelligent; those understand themselves and their interest best that make God's law their rule and are in every thing ruled by it. A great understanding those have that know God's commandments and can discourse learnedly of them, but a good understanding have those that do them and walk according to them. Secondly, It is the way to understand better: A good understanding are they to all that do them; the fear of the Lord and the laws of that give men a good understanding, and are able to make them wise unto salvation. If any man will do his will, he shall know more and more clearly of the doctrine of Christ, Joh 7:17. Good success have all those that do them (so the margin), according to what was promised to Joshua if he would observe to do according to the law. Jos 1:8, Then thou shalt make thy way prosperous and shalt have good success. We have reason to praise God, to praise him for ever, for putting man into such a fair way to happiness. Some apply the last words rather to the good man who fears the Lord than to the good God: His praise endures for ever. It is not of men perhaps, but it is of God (Rom 2:29), and that praise which is of God endures for ever when the praise of men is withered and gone.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"The works of His hands are verity and judgment" [Psalm 111:7]. Let verity be held by those who are judged here. Martyrs are here sentenced, and brought to the judgment-seat, that they may judge not only those by whom they have been judged, but even give judgment on angels, [1 Corinthians 6:3] against whom was their struggle here, even when they seemed to be judged by men. Let not tribulation, distress, famine, nakedness, the sword, separate from Christ. For "all His commandments are true;" [Romans 8:35] He deceives not, He gives us what He promised. Yet we should not expect here what He promised; we should not hope for it.
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Summary
Psalms 111:7 provides a profound theological declaration concerning the unwavering integrity of God's character, asserting that both His divine actions and His revealed decrees are intrinsically founded upon absolute truth and perfect justice. This verse serves as an immutable anchor for faith, assuring believers that every deed God performs is consistent with His righteous nature and that His every commandment is eternally reliable, serving as a steadfast standard for life and faith in a world of constant flux and uncertainty.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 111 is a meticulously crafted acrostic hymn of praise, forming part of the "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 111-118), which are designed to celebrate the Lord's magnificent works and righteous character. The psalm's structure, where each line of the original Hebrew text begins with a successive letter of the alphabet, underscores the comprehensive and perfect nature of God's attributes and deeds. It opens with an enthusiastic call to praise God for His "great works" Psalms 111:2, emphasizing their honor, majesty, and enduring righteousness. Verse 7 specifically builds upon this foundational praise by declaring the inherent qualities that define these works and, in parallel, the steadfastness of His commandments, thereby solidifying the psalmist's foundational assertion of divine reliability. This verse transitions from a general celebration of God's acts to a precise articulation of the ethical and ontological qualities that characterize both His deeds and His decrees.
Historical & Cultural Context
Composed likely for liturgical use within Israelite worship, Psalm 111 reflects a worldview deeply concerned with the character of a ruler, which was intrinsically linked to the justice and reliability of their decrees and actions. In the ancient Near East, human kings were frequently capricious, and their laws were subject to arbitrary change, leading to widespread instability and injustice. In stark contrast, this psalm affirms the unique nature of Israel's God, Yahweh, whose "works" (referring to His acts in creation, providence, and especially redemptive history, such as the Exodus) and "commandments" (His Torah, His revealed will) are utterly dependable and unchanging. This provided immense security and a robust basis for covenant faithfulness for a people living under God's divine kingship, sharply distinguishing Him from the fallible deities and rulers of surrounding nations. The stability offered by God's character was a cornerstone of Israelite identity and trust.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores Divine Trustworthiness, asserting that God's actions are never arbitrary but are always consistent with His righteous character. This theme is central to the covenant relationship, where God's unwavering faithfulness is the bedrock of Israel's existence and hope, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 7:9. Secondly, it highlights Unwavering Truth and Justice, emphasizing that "verity and judgment" (truth and justice) are inherent, non-negotiable qualities of all God's dealings, ensuring His perfect administration of justice and His absolute commitment to what is right. This resonates profoundly with the prophetic calls for justice and righteousness that echo throughout the Old Testament, such as in Amos 5:24. Finally, the declaration that "all his commandments are sure" reinforces the Steadfastness of God's Word, presenting God's law and precepts as eternally established, unchanging, and entirely reliable, providing a secure and infallible guide for life in a world of shifting values, a theme extensively explored and celebrated in Psalm 119.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the root meaning "to do" or "to make," this term refers to an action, a transaction, or a product. When applied to God, as in "the works of his hands," it denotes His active involvement in creation, providence, and especially His mighty deeds throughout redemptive history. It encompasses everything God has brought into being or accomplished.
Contracted from a root meaning "to be firm" or "to build up," this profound Hebrew term signifies stability, certainty, truth, and trustworthiness. Applied to God's "works," it implies that His actions are utterly dependable, consistent with His nature, and grounded in ultimate reality. There is no deceit, falsehood, or wavering in what God does; His works embody the very essence of truth and integrity.
Derived from a root meaning "to judge," this word properly denotes a verdict pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree. It encompasses justice, righteous rule, equitable ordinances, and the proper administration of law. When God's "works" are described as "judgment," it speaks to His perfect and impartial governance, ensuring that His actions always uphold what is right and fair, referring to both His redemptive acts and His providential maintenance of order and equity.
A primitive root, interchangeable with a word meaning "to go to the right hand," this term properly means to build up or support, to foster, and figuratively, to render or be firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet, and morally, to be true or certain. Applied to God's "commandments," it stresses their absolute stability, dependability, and enduring nature. They are not subject to change, decay, or human whim, standing firm as an unshakeable foundation.
Verse Breakdown
"The works of his hands [are] verity and judgment"
This initial clause refers to the totality of God's active involvement in the world, encompassing His creative acts (e.g., the formation of the cosmos and humanity), His ongoing providential care for creation, and especially His mighty acts of redemption throughout history (e.g., the Exodus, the giving of the Law, the establishment of Israel). The psalmist declares that every one of these divine actions is characterized by absolute truthfulness ('emeth) and perfect justice (mishpâṭ). God's deeds are never arbitrary, deceptive, or unjust; they perfectly reflect His righteous, faithful, and reliable character, providing a steadfast foundation for understanding His nature.
"all his commandments [are] sure"
This second clause shifts focus from God's actions to His revealed will and decrees. "Commandments" here refers broadly to God's statutes, precepts, laws, and promises—His entire revealed word, the Torah. The declaration that they "are sure" means they are utterly reliable, firm, established, and trustworthy. Unlike human laws or promises, which can be broken, forgotten, or become obsolete, God's word stands eternally. It provides an unwavering moral compass and an unshakeable foundation for faith and life, guaranteeing the fulfillment of His promises and the enduring validity of His ethical demands for all generations.
Literary Devices
The profound message of Psalms 111:7 is amplified through the skillful use of Parallelism. Specifically, it employs a form of synonymous or complementary parallelism, where the first half of the verse, "The works of his hands [are] verity and judgment," is mirrored and reinforced by the second half, "all his commandments [are] sure." This structure emphasizes the consistent and unified nature of God, demonstrating that His actions and His words are in perfect harmony, both emanating from His unchanging character. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses Merism by combining "works of his hands" (encompassing God's active deeds and interventions) and "commandments" (representing God's revealed will and decrees). Together, these two categories encompass the entirety of God's revelation and activity, thereby asserting that everything God is and everything God does is characterized by truth, justice, and unwavering reliability. This comprehensive statement leaves no room for doubt regarding the complete integrity and trustworthiness of the Divine.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 111:7 serves as a foundational declaration of God's immutability and absolute trustworthiness, providing a theological anchor for all who seek to understand and relate to Him. It establishes that God's character is not only good but perfectly consistent, ensuring that His actions are always just and His word eternally reliable. This divine integrity is the very basis for faith, allowing believers to confidently place their hope and obedience in a God who never changes His mind, breaks His promises, or acts unjustly. In a world marked by shifting sands of opinion, fleeting trends, and relative morality, this verse proclaims the unwavering standard of divine truth and righteousness, inviting us to build our lives upon His solid foundation, knowing that His nature is the ultimate guarantee of His faithfulness.
Reflection and Application
In a world characterized by instability, fleeting trends, and often broken promises, Psalms 111:7 offers profound comfort and an unshakeable anchor for the soul. It reminds us that our God is not capricious or unreliable; His every action is rooted in perfect truth and justice, and His every word stands eternally firm. This truth should inspire unwavering confidence in His providential care, His redemptive plan, and His moral guidance. When faced with difficult decisions, societal pressures, or personal doubts, we can turn to His "sure" commandments as an infallible compass, knowing they are not arbitrary rules but expressions of His perfect wisdom and love for humanity. This verse calls us not only to trust God's character implicitly but also to emulate it in our own lives, striving for truth and justice in our "works" and living in humble obedience to His "sure" word, thereby reflecting the very nature of the God we worship.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the phrase "works of his hands"?
This phrase encompasses the totality of God's active involvement in the world and in history. It refers to His magnificent act of creation, bringing the cosmos into being (e.g., Genesis 1:1), His ongoing providential care for all things, and especially His mighty acts of redemption throughout the history of Israel, such as the Exodus from Egypt (e.g., Exodus 14) and the establishment of His covenant people. By declaring these "works" to be "verity and judgment," the psalmist asserts that every single divine action is perfectly true, faithful, and just, reflecting God's inherent, unblemished character and revealing His perfect nature to humanity.
How do "verity and judgment" relate to God's character?
"Verity" (truth/faithfulness) and "judgment" (justice/righteous rule) are fundamental, inseparable attributes of God's character. They signify that God is absolutely reliable in all His promises and dealings, never deviating from His word or acting deceitfully. Furthermore, He always acts according to perfect righteousness and equity, ensuring that His decisions and actions are never arbitrary, unfair, or tainted by partiality. This means His justice is not merely punitive but also restorative and redemptive, always aligned with His holy nature and His covenant faithfulness (e.g., Deuteronomy 32:4). These attributes provide the unshakeable foundation for our trust in Him.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 111:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the living embodiment of God's "verity and judgment," for He declared, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" John 14:6. The "works of His hands" are perfectly displayed in Christ's earthly ministry: His miraculous healings, His authoritative teachings, His perfect life of obedience, and supremely, His atoning death and glorious resurrection. These are the ultimate demonstrations of God's truth, revealing His character and His redemptive plan with absolute clarity and power (e.g., John 10:37-38). Moreover, Jesus perfectly fulfilled "all His commandments," not only by His sinless obedience to the Law but also by embodying its very essence of love for God and neighbor Matthew 5:17. His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of divine "judgment" against sin and the supreme revelation of God's "verity" in providing a righteous way for humanity's redemption, demonstrating God's justice and His justifying grace simultaneously (e.g., Romans 3:25-26). Thus, Christ Himself is the "sure" foundation upon which all believers can build their lives, for "no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" 1 Corinthians 3:11, making Him the ultimate assurance of God's unwavering faithfulness and justice for all eternity.